Drop hammers, spindle presses, swaging machines \u2013 pretty odd-sounding names for the devices deployed in the early days of the needle-making industry, an industry which characterised economic and social life for many decades the Aachen region. In the Zinkh\u00fctter Hof Museum, about 15 kilometres from Aachen, historical machines give visitors a first-hand insight into the number of stages required for the production of one tiny sewing machine needle \u2013 a true marvel of engineering skills and craftsmanship. <\/p>\n
This is also true for the exhibition on zinc. It shows how the raw material is sourced and processed, and boasts fascinating exhibits that illustrate the range of products that have been made out of this material. For example the weather vane from the 19th century, or the zinc bathtub that \u2013 back in grandma’s day and long before people had “bathrooms” \u2013 could be found in almost every laundry room. Back in 1956, the company Stolberger Zink AG employed over 3,900 workers, and had trouble finding the extra miners they needed \u2013 skills shortage in the days of the “economic miracle”!<\/p>\n
As far as brass is concerned, the heyday of production in our region lies a lot further back in time. “Stolberger Gold”, as they used to call the alloy of copper and zinc, was produced here from the late 16th through to the 19th century. Visitors can marvel at the magnificent bowls, chains, hooks and ornaments exhibited in the Zinkh\u00fctter Hof. And the museum provides more than just an explanation of how brass is produced. For groups \u2013 school classes for example \u2013 the museum is pleased to open its “forger’s workshop”. Here, you can learn how to cast coins with 1,200\u00b0C molten brass \u2013 and see how, after grinding and brushing, they glitter more beautifully than gold itself.<\/p>\n